Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of its characters, only my OC - Kaitlyn Donovan.
This story is the sequel to All's Fair in Love and War.
Query: What sacrifices must be endured by those that secure our freedom?
Thank you to Just a Crazy-Man, bina W, and IrishBug74, LoyaulteMeLie, Lupinesence, jeangreyten, Belen09, and Silver-ShadowSpark for the reviews, and to everyone that is following this story and adding it to their favorites!
Chapter 11 - That's the Nature of the Section
The Price of Freedom
Chapter 11 - That's the Nature of the Section
Vulcan Compound
Captain Kaitlyn Donovan waited in the gardens for Ambassador Soval and Sub Commander Satok. The afternoon was calm, despite the flurry of activity this morning.
The Public Relations Departments were doing a good job at keeping the press away. She felt bad about not being able to go to Coulter's school as he requested - but it would end up being a media mess. She had made arrangements for his class to come for a tour of MACO Headquarters later next week, where she would personally give them a tour. She had already talked to him about what he had observed at the Memorial Dedication and discussed what he had noted about the security. He had mentioned that children weren't really searched by security as much as the adults and that it could be a risk. It had been a very good observation and she had made sure to note it in her procedures for the next security event they had.
"You look very contemplative, Captain." Ambassador Soval noted as he and Satok approached.
She turned to them and bowed slightly, "Just compartmentalizing recent events, Ambassador. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me."
They walked to one of the tables as the hot tea was poured for them.
Soval motioned to Satok, "Sub Commander Satok has volunteered to help train you and your MACOs for your upcoming visit to Vulcan. He has four other officers that will help demonstrate some of the Vulcan Martial Arts." He took a sip of tea and indicated for Satok to explain.
Satok nodded, "We, by no means expect you or your MACOs to be able to fully grasp the Vulcan Martial Arts techniques that we will demonstrate, but it should help you counter an attack if you find yourself in such a situation." he explained.
"Thank you, Sub Commander. Some of us have actually been trained on some of the techniques and we are looking forward to your demonstrations." Donovan stated as she pulled out her PADD and turned it on. "The schedule you sent me is acceptable, though if possible, we would like to start earlier in the morning."
Satok raised an eyebrow in confusion, "We went by standard protocol - we were under the assumption that 0900 was a normal time for human work to commence."
"That would be for meetings. MACOs begin their physical training at 0530. We would also like to learn how to assist with the morning meal, since we will be transported on a Vulcan ship." Kaitlyn explained.
"As guests on our ship, it is not expected for you to cook the morning meal." Satok quickly stated.
Kaitlyn smiled softly as she set her cup of tea down, "Not expected by you, but we follow customs as best we can. Now, I'm not saying that you should have us cook without supervision - but we will certainly help as much as we can on the ship." She clicked on a file icon on her PADD and sent it to Soval and Satok, "These are the personnel files of my Embassy Unit, please feel free to assign us to a duty on the ship each day for the six hours we have available. I will be training with them and we will be planning the rest of the time. We know that space is limited on ships and we are willing to bunk as many of us together as possible."
Sub Commander Satok glanced at the Ambassador, then back to Donovan. "Captain Donovan, your forethought into travelling with us is appreciated. I will send Captain Tok these files, if you will allow it, and he can help decide where to assign you and your MACOs."
"Please express our deep appreciation to Captain Tok for allowing us to travel on his ship. If he will send us his Standard Operating Procedures of the Yarahla, we will make sure we understand them before we board. Also, if there are any places that will be off limits to us, we would like to know in advance - just so there are no misunderstandings." Kaitlyn pointed out.
Satok nodded as he looked over his training schedule for the MACOs. He briefly wondered how she knew that Tok was the Captain of the Yarahla, he decided to inquire later. "We will be able to get more done in your trainings if you come earlier. I will adjust the schedule accordingly. If you wish to help with the morning meal, you will need to be here at 0400 on Monday." he explained.
Kaitlyn nodded, "We will be here."
Ambassador Soval looked over his PADD, "Doctor Strom will be completing the physical exams and clearing your unit for travel, Commander T'Lek will be instructing your unit on Vulcan Customs and Culture, and I will personally instruct your unit on Vulcan Security Procedures and Infrastructure."
"Thank you, Ambassador. Is there anything else we need to bring with us for training purposes?" she inquired.
"If you will each bring your PADDs it will make disseminating information quicker." Satok suggested.
Kaitlyn nodded as she added the information to the list on her PADD.
Soval glanced at Satok, "Sub Commander, adjust the schedule for training and alert the appropriate personnel of the changes. Report to me when you have finished."
Satok stood up to take his leave, "I will do so, Ambassador. Good afternoon, Captain Donovan."
Kaitlyn stood up and bowed slightly, "Rom-halan, Sub Commander Satok."
Satok faltered slightly at her farewell to him in Vulcan. He nodded, then took his leave.
Kaitlyn sat down and watched the Vulcan Ambassador carefully.
"Ask your question - I can tell you have one." Soval pointed out.
She leaned forward slightly, "Is there going to be a problem with you training us?"
His eye brows rose, "What do you mean?"
She pointed to her list of personnel on her Embassy Unit, "Whatever the rift is between you and Corporal Cole - I don't want it to impact our training. I will not take her out of my unit. She knows some Vulcan Martial Arts, and is familiar with the culture and language - she's well qualified for what I need her to do. I will not have you hindering her training and advancement. If this is going to cause a problem in our training, I respectfully request that someone else train us on Vulcan Security Procedures and Infrastructure." Kaitlyn watched as he steepled his hands together and breathed slowly.
Soval steadied his breathing. His ability to control himself had never been questioned so pointedly, especially from a human. Somehow, Kaitlyn knew that Amanda Cole's name on her unit's list had bothered him. The fact that Kaitlyn was questioning him, started to make himself doubt his ability to remain impartial, but he would not let his emotions prevail. "I will not hinder anyone's training. I am the most qualified to train you on the subject." He took a sip of tea and thought carefully about what he was going to say. "I had the fortune to see Corporal Cole last week at the transport center while we were both waiting for our shuttles to be cleared for departure. I have a great admiration for her and the rest of those that were on the Enterprise in the Expanse. She gave me insight into the amount of sacrifices that were made by the crew, for the good of the rest of the world."
Kaitlyn nodded as she sat back in the chair. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
Soval looked at her, then took a deep breath. "Yes." he agreed. He looked around the garden slowly, "You surprised Satok with your knowledge of us." he commented, changing the subject.
Kaitlyn smiled slowly, "He needs to review my files carefully - all of our files, in fact. The personnel I selected are more knowledgeable of Vulcans than any other MACOs I know - and that is on purpose." she pointed out.
The corners of Soval's lips lifted slightly, "I am sure that Satok will quickly learn that your unit is unlike any other humans he has encountered. I am pleased you are taking this opportunity presented to you. It will be a learning experience. Challenging, I am sure. Especially when it comes to dealing with the bureaucracy of the Vulcan High Command."
Kaitlyn grinned, "I look forward to the challenge - you know that, Ambassador."
"I know of this - but you will have to call upon your reserves to remain emotionally tempered. You have a tendency to become passionate when you are defending the actions of others. Most Vulcans will see this as a sign of weakness, and a loss of control. You - as the leader of your unit - must keep yourself in check when dealing with other Vulcans." Soval cautioned her.
"I will remember your advice, Ambassador." she gave him a slight nod.
The Vulcan noticed her straighten quickly and her eyes narrowed. She stood up.
Kaitlyn sat up as she felt a prickling of her skin. She stood up, "It appears I am needed elsewhere. I will contact you within two hours. Thank you, Ambassador." The transporter beam took her away.
Ambassador Soval stood up quickly as the MACO was transported from just a few feet away from him without any warning. He contemplated the situation carefully. She had seemed aware of the transporter before she was taken away, and she did not appear afraid - though he really didn't know if she would show it if she was. He took a deep breath. She had said she would contact him within two hours. If she didn't make contact with him, he would inform Starfleet Command. He turned and went back inside the Compound.
XXXXX
Kaitlyn looked around slowly and analyzed her surroundings as she materialized in a transporter room. She felt the slight vibrations of the ship's engine.
She looked at the technician in his all black uniform and gave him a slight nod. "Where is he?" she questioned.
The door to the room opened and Harris came in. He looked her over slowly, "Come with me, Captain." He headed down the hall.
Kaitlyn took a slow, calming breath and followed him out the door. Whatever had happened to get her here - it would not end well for her, that much she was certain.
Harris led her to a small room where five armed guards waited. "Sit down, Captain Donovan." he indicated the imposing chair used for interrogations.
Kaitlyn glanced at the menacing chair that she had been subjected to at the beginning of her work with the Section - as all recruits had gone through. She kept her muscles relaxed, prepared for incoming blows. She turned to Harris, keeping the guards in her peripheral vision. "Why have you brought me here?" she asked.
Harris gave her a small smile, "Stalling will not help your situation." he chided her.
"Then explain the situation to me." she requested.
"You have put yourself in the public's eye once again." Harris shook his head tiredly.
"I did my job - as I always do." she pointed out.
Harris crossed his arms, "And every time you do - you end up making a mess of one of my operations."
Kaitlyn tensed, "You wanted the bomber to destroy the Memorial?"
"No - we wanted the bomber. To capture him and find out who he's working for. Now, thanks to you - Starfleet Intelligence has him." Harris stepped closer to her. "Get in the chair." he ordered.
Kaitlyn thought quickly, "I can request to question him. I will scan his mind and find out everything you want to know."
Harris smiled, "I know you will. We're going to make sure you do just that." He glanced at the door as it opened.
Kaitlyn's eyes widened. Stoon. The Vulcan was dead - he'd been killed in bomb that blew up the Ambassador's shuttle, hadn't he? She looked at Harris questionably. What had happened at the end of that mission? She closed her eyes as she realized that it must have been Stoon that had repressed her and Malcolm's memories. She looked back at Stoon, "I was under the impression you were dead."
Stoon watched her impassively and did not reply.
"Captain Donovan," Harris called for her attention, "I'm not going to ask again." He indicated the chair with a slight glance to it.
Kaitlyn pulled her shoulders back, "Ambassador Soval is expecting me to communicate to him within two hours."
"Yes, that was clever of you. Don't worry - you will make that communiqué." Harris nodded and she was quickly grabbed by the guards.
XXXXX
Kaitlyn opened her eyes slowly and found herself in her bed. She sat up quickly and winced as a sharp pain splintered through her head. Where had she been? She was nauseated. She knew she hadn't been here when she'd fallen asleep. Fallen asleep? She hadn't fallen asleep! Everything came rushing back to her.
The ship. Harris. Stoon.
She put her feet on the floor and tried to stand up. She quickly realized her body was recovering from multiple injuries. She sat back down on the edge of the bed and tried to calm down. She hadn't gone into that chair peacefully. She looked at her left wrist. It had been broken by one of the guards after she'd punched him. She rotated her wrist carefully. It was mended, but still sore. She closed her eyes tiredly.
Search his mind. Find out all you can about who he works for. Get us names and places. Then end him.
Kaitlyn's eyes widened as she heard Harris directive playing out in her head, clear as if he was standing right beside her. She reached up to the base of her skull and felt the transmitter that had been placed on her to make sure she carried out her orders.
Her communicator chirped loudly beside her bed. She quickly picked it up and answered. "Donovan."
"Good morning, Captain. You have received permission to question the suspect at 0800." Commander Morrison stated.
"Thank you, Commander. Could you please request Lieutenant Reed to come and observe. He may have questions he wants me to ask the suspect." she stated. She couldn't contact Malcolm about this, but maybe she could get him there.
"Good idea. See you in a little while, Captain." Morrison ended the call.
Kaitlyn quickly showered and got dressed. She headed out the door and walked swiftly down the street, ignoring the dull pains in her body. She stopped in at her frequented coffee shop and ordered her drink and a yogurt and sat down in one of the back tables.
She looked up as the door opened a few minutes later and Malcolm walked in.
His body visibly relaxed when he saw her. He quickly ordered his drink and came over to her table. Malcolm looked over her and noted the signs of fading bruising at her throat, jaw, and wrist. He touched her knee gently under the table and saw her flinch. What happened?
She held his hand gently under the table and allowed him to see in her mind what had happened - at least what she remembered.
Malcolm was angry at what Harris had done to her, his blood was starting to boil. He felt her calming him down through their connection. "Are you okay this morning?" he asked softly.
Kaitlyn nodded, "Of course."
Malcolm watched her carefully. He knew she would have to follow the directive she'd been given. The orders given to operatives from the chair were non-negotiable. Too ensure of the operative's cooperation, a device was implanted at the base of the skull. If orders were not followed, the operative was sent an impulse that would kill them. We'll figure a way out of this, he promised her.
"Do you have any questions you'd like for me to ask him while I have the chance?" she asked, then took a sip of her drink to try and get her mind focused on what she needed to do.
Malcolm nodded, "It would be helpful to know how he got the idea for all of those redundancies - who he learned that from."
She pulled her PADD out and added that to her list of questions Harris had prepared for her.
"We also need to know where he got the bomb from, and how he figured out how to disarm it and reconfigure it." Malcolm indicated.
Kaitlyn glanced at her watch and finished her drink, "We need head over."
They walked the rest of the way to Starfleet Headquarters quietly. They went through Security and headed down to the secured rooms.
Malcolm stopped her before they went out the stairwell door. He could feel the conflict within her. She knew she had to follow her orders, but she didn't want to kill the man.
Kaitlyn looked at Malcolm and raised an eyebrow slightly.
You will have to try and kill him in order to fulfill your orders, but I'll stop you, he reassured her.
Kaitlyn gave him a slight nod, then opened the door.
Commander Morrison and Admiral Stevens were waiting for them.
Admiral Stevens nodded to the two approaching officers. He looked at Reed and Morrison, "If you two will wait in the observation room, I'd appreciate it." he directed.
When they were alone, Admiral Stevens looked over her carefully. Something was definitely wrong with this situation. Why had she requested to question the bomber out of the blue? He'd already had one of his best men questioning the man, to no avail. He raised an eyebrow in question.
Kaitlyn raised her chin slightly, "Is the suspect in the room?" she inquired, avoiding his unspoken question of if she was under duress, thereby answering his question.
The Admiral frowned slightly. So, she was in trouble and being made to question the suspect. He had his suspicions that Harris would be trying to get her back into the Section before she left for Vulcan. He needed to think of a way to get the upper hand in the situation. "He's ready for you. Though, he has not answered any of our previous questions."
"I'll do my best to get him to cooperate." she stated. Kaitlyn opened the door and went in.
Admiral Stevens quickly typed in an inquiry to his department, then went into the Observation room.
She closed the door behind her and looked at the young man that was sitting in the chair on one side of the table. His head was bowed slightly, his brown bangs covering his eyes.
When he looked up, he held her gaze. He scrutinized her as she sat down across from him. He immediately recognized her as the MACO that had stopped him from completing his mission. His eyes narrowed.
Kaitlyn smiled slightly, "So, you do recognize me - that's good. That will save us time." She turned on her PADD and placed it on the table.
He leaned forward, "How will that help - me recognizing you?" he scoffed.
She reached across the table and tapped his forehead, "Because you are going to answer all of my questions." She sat back and concentrated on making the connection to his mind stronger.
He flinched as he felt a headache coming on. He rubbed his temple gently.
"Would you like some water, Richard?" she suggested gently.
"Yes, I think that might help." he nodded slowly. His mind was a feeling a bit sluggish.
A glass of water materialized on the table in front of him and he quickly took a few sips.
He blinked slowly, "What did you want to know?" he asked.
"Where did you get the bomb from?" Kaitlyn questioned out loud as she slowly sifted through his mind for information.
Richard's blink was more exaggerated this time as he swallowed hard. Why was he having such a hard time focusing? "I don't understand the question."
Kaitlyn slammed her fist on the table, "Where did you get the bomb?" she demanded.
His mind suddenly snapped into place, "From Daniel. He helped me put it all together."
Kaitlyn saw Daniel in her mind and nodded. Paxton's right hand man. "So, you are a follower of Terra Prime. Why did they want to destroy the Memorial?" she inquired.
Richard tilted his head as his eye started to twitch. What was wrong with him? He clenched his fists tightly to try and not answer her question, but something was pushing him.
Kaitlyn placed her hand over his left fist and pushed his mind harder. "Richard?"
He looked at her hand over his, then his eyes fixed on hers. He blinked again as his head felt like it was splitting open. He cupped his head with his hands as the pain became excruciating, "Not to destroy the Memorial - but Starfleet, and the Vulcans, and that alien loving President." Richard yelled.
Kaitlyn quickly sifted through all of Richard's memories as they came rushing at her. She couldn't process everything at the moment, but she got the information Harris wanted. She stood up as Richard started to scream in pain. She quickly came around and touched his arm gently. Sleep, she directed his mind.
Richard's head fell to the table.
Kaitlyn checked his pulse as the medics rushed in.
The medics quickly accessed his condition.
Admiral Stevens, Commander Morrison, and Lieutenant Reed came in and watched the medics.
One of the medics looked up at the Admiral, "Sir, it looks like he's fallen unconscious. We need to get him to Medical."
Admiral Stevens nodded and called for the Security detail to go with them. He watched as they lifted the suspect on a stretcher and headed out.
Commander Morrison frowned, "I don't understand what happened - he was fine." He'd seen the whole thing - the man just started to fall apart as Donovan had questioned him.
Malcolm glanced at Kaitlyn. He knew what she'd done. She had found a way to follow Harris orders without killing the man. Harris had told her 'to end him' and she had by putting his mind to sleep. The man wouldn't wake up unless Kaitlyn told him to wake up. He took a deep breath, "Hopefully the Doctors will figure out what's wrong."
Kaitlyn was standing still, her face blank as her mind was still trying to make sense of everything she'd gotten from Richard's mind.
Admiral Stevens watched her carefully. He'd heard she could render someone unconscious with her mind - but this was the first time he'd ever witnessed it. He looked at his PADD as it vibrated.
Captain Donovan was not on Earth for fourteen hours. She was transported from the Vulcan Embassy to a ship in orbit around the planet. The ship is registered under one of the alias company names.
Admiral Stevens read over the message quickly. So, it was confirmed that Harris had her. He wondered if she'd gotten all of the information for Harris that he wanted. "At least we now know who the real target was, and who's responsible."
Morrison nodded, "I don't know how much that's really going to help us - we already suspected Terra Prime."
Stevens looked between Morrison and Reed, "Start digging into this Daniel person's whereabouts. Find out all you can and report back to me this afternoon." he directed.
Kaitlyn looked at Malcolm as he nodded to the Admiral.
Be careful - give Harris the information he wants - then get out. I'll come to your place tonight. Malcolm promised her, then followed Morrison down the corridor.
Admiral Stevens closed the door and indicated for her to sit down. He looked at the camera, "Harris - transport here now." he ordered. He was upset that she had been used to get information for the Section. He walked over to Kaitlyn and indicated for her to move her hair slightly. He cringed at the sight of the transmitter affixed to the base of her skull. He had seen the studies on these devices, but he'd never thought anyone who was remotely humane would ever use them.
A few moments later, Harris and a Vulcan transported into the room.
Harris eyed Stevens, "What? It was necessary." he stated firmly.
Steven shook his head, "She would have questioned him for you - without you having placed that on her." He tried to contain his anger.
Harris indicated for Stoon to access her mind for the information she'd retrieved.
Kaitlyn stood up and backed up swiftly before Stoon could touch her. "Take this off me first."
Harris frowned, but acquiesced. He pointed a remote at her and sent out a code to the transmitter. He was upset at Kaitlyn for not killing Richard Donald, but she had ended him in her own unique way.
Kaitlyn reached to the back of her skull and pulled it off easily. She handed it to Stoon. She found her mental controls returning and quickly started putting barriers up around her mind. She waited as Stoon placed his hand on her katra points. As he searched her mind, she allowed him only access to the questions Harris had wanted answered. She did not allow him to see the rest she had learned, or anything else she needed to keep from Harris.
Stoon stepped back and watched her carefully. He knew she was withholding information, but since he did not want to invade his once-friend's mind, he would not say anything. He had considered her a friend years ago, and he had betrayed her by repressing her memories. He didn't know if she would ever forgive him for what he had done to her. In his access to her mind, he could not tell if she remembered anything from that mission.
"Did you get everything?" Harris questioned.
Stoon nodded and clasped his hands loosely behind his back.
Admiral Stevens stepped closer to Harris, "I don't approve of you using people that work for me and I certainly don't approve of you using those transmitters!" he hissed.
Harris shrugged aloofly, "It doesn't matter whether you approve, or not. My organization is not under your jurisdiction."
"You will leave her alone - is that understood?" Stevens glared down at the man a few inches shorter than him.
"Sure." Harris nodded, "I'll leave her alone until she needs my help." He glanced at Kaitlyn, "Until then - thanks for the assist." He and Stoon were quickly transported away.
Admiral Stevens looked over Kaitlyn as she held onto the table edge tightly. "Are you okay?" he asked quickly as he came by her side.
She nodded slowly, "I will be. I'm sorry, Admiral - I had no choice."
Stevens sighed softly, "I know." He frowned, "I'm sorry that Harris got to you."
"I think it was inevitable." Kaitlyn closed her eyes tightly as pain swept through her head - she had too much information colliding around her head at the moment. She had promised herself years ago that she wouldn't go through anyone's mind again because it caused too much damage to her. She clenched her teeth tightly as the vice grip around her head squeezed tighter.
Jack Stevens held onto her arm as she almost collapsed to the floor. "We'll transport you to Medical."
Kaitlyn shook her head slightly, "I just need to meditate. Please, just transport me to my apartment." she requested.
The Admiral looked over her pale features, "I don't think just meditating is going to help you and I'm certainly not just going to transport you to your apartment alone." He thought quickly and pulled out his communicator, "Admiral Stevens to Doctor Phlox."
A few moments later his communiqué was answered, "Admiral Stevens, this is a surprise - how may I help you?" Doctor Phlox questioned.
"Captain Donovan is having some medical problems from a neural procedure she was subjected to - could you bring your equipment and transport to her apartment?" the Admiral requested.
"Of course, Admiral. I'll be there in a few minutes." Phlox quickly got his medical bag and put in a few more instruments and headed to the transporter.
Admiral Stevens held Kaitlyn up and had them transported to her apartment. He sat her down on the couch and watched as she held her head as she leaned over to keep the nausea at bay. He had no idea what the repercussions would be to her for pulling Richard's memories and for putting him to sleep. He sat down on the coffee table and frowned, "Why did you put him to sleep?" he asked softly.
Kaitlyn took a deep breath. She could hear the Admiral's question - but it seemed like he was down a tunnel far away from her. "Harris told me to end him - I improvised."
Jack Stevens stared at her, fully comprehending what Harris had asked her to do. If she had killed the man in custody, her career would have been over. Why would Harris want her out of the way? He knew Harris let her leave after a rather shaky mission she'd been on a few years ago, but he didn't know all of the details of that mission. Operatives were very rarely, if ever, just allowed to leave. Harris obviously wanted to use her in the future, yet here he was - ready for her career to be ended. Unless, he knew she'd just put the man to sleep. Stevens nodded to himself. That is what Harris predicted she'd do. He looked up as Doctor Phlox transported a few feet away.
"What has happened?" he questioned the Admiral.
Admiral Stevens quickly explained the situation as Doctor Phlox began running the scanner over her.
"I have never seen her readings this high before - you said she read the suspects thoughts, then made him collapse?" Phlox frowned, he couldn't fathom that ability.
"I made his mind sleep, Phlox." Kaitlyn whispered as she looked up at him slowly. She held his arm away as he moved to touch her, "Please, just give me a pain suppressor and I'll meditate. Please, Phlox." she requested as her body started to shake.
Phlox nodded slowly as her hand fell away from him. He quickly injected her with the pain suppressor. Her body stopped shaking almost instantly and the pained expression on her face went away.
She slowly sat on the floor and lit the candle on the coffee table.
Admiral Stevens and Doctor Phlox watched as she zoned out - completely transfixed with the flame of the candle.
Jack Stevens ran his hands over his face tiredly, "Will she be alright, Doctor Phlox?" he inquired.
Phlox looked at his friend worriedly, "I do not know. I have never seen her like this before. I will do what I can." he promised.
Stevens nodded, "Please keep me informed of her condition, Doctor."
"I will, Admiral." Phlox watched as the Admiral was transported away a few moments later.
Phlox sat down on the chair and ran the scanner over Kaitlyn again. He frowned, if the readings he just took were any indication - it was going to take twenty-four hours for her to regain control of her mind.
He quickly picked up his PADD and sent a message to Lieutenant Reed. Perhaps he could help her regain control quicker with his support.
XXXXX
Malcolm Reed materialized in Kaitlyn's living room and quickly took note of her expressionless face. She was just staring at the flame of the candle. He turned his attention to Doctor Phlox. "Has there been any improvement?" he questioned.
Phlox nodded, "A slight improvement each hour from what I can tell from the scans I've taken."
Malcolm took a deep breath. He'd been held up all morning and most of the afternoon tracking down Daniel's movement over the past year. They'd finally pinpointed when the bombs had been bought from the Orions. They had also tracked down another member of Terra Prime that was an explosives expert - the man that had reconfigured this bomb and rigged it. Malcolm had done the best he could helping Morrison, but he had been distracted. Through his connection to Kaitlyn, he could feel her mind falling apart - and he hadn't been able to do a thing about it.
Phlox watched as the Lieutenant sat down beside Kaitlyn on the floor and held her hand gently in his.
Malcolm closed his eyes and felt himself being pulled somewhere. He opened his eyes and looked around.
He was standing in a large library - the aisles line with bookshelves of books. He looked up and saw the glass window that had a beautiful view of the stars. He looked around as he heard pages of books being flipped quickly. He walked down a few aisles and found Kaitlyn sitting on the floor, surrounded by a few open books. He sat down beside her, "Kaitlyn, where am I?" he questioned.
She shook her head tiredly and kept flipping through one of the books she was holding, "I don't know where this goes." she mumbled to herself in frustration.
Malcolm touched her arm and she flinched.
Kaitlyn looked up at him, and slowly recognized him. She smiled brightly, "Malcolm." She hugged him tightly and took a deep, calming breath.
He sat down beside her and looked around again as he kept hold of her hand. "Where are we?" he repeated.
Kaitlyn blinked as she tried to comprehend his question. She looked around slowly, "This is my mind - my library, I organize everything here." she stated.
Malcolm looked at the closest bookshelf and read some of the titles. They were dates - the dates the Enterprise was in the Expanse. Then there were other books with crew member names. So, when she said she had to organize and synthesize everyone's personal logs - this was how she did it. He was a bit overwhelmed to see how her mind was organized, but he had to admit that it was peaceful here - except for her flipping through the current books she had surrounding her on the floor.
"How can I help you, Kaitlyn?" he asked.
"I don't know. I'm having a hard time deciding where all of this information needs to be stored." she shrugged tiredly. She'd been doing this for hours and she didn't seem to be making much headway.
"Well, can you show me? Then I can help you put the information in the right place." he suggested.
Kaitlyn picked up a PADD and turned it on. She started the first scene. This one was of Richard's childhood.
"Put that in the book on Richard." Malcolm recommended.
Kaitlyn quickly sent it to the book, then played the next scene of Richard with Daniel and another man putting the bomb together.
"Put this in the Terra Prime book, but reference it in the book on Richard, Daniel, and you need to start another book on Thomas Ellis - that's the other guy's name." he explained.
Kaitlyn quickly sent the information to the appropriate books.
XXXXX
Doctor Phlox watched them for five more hours. It was fascinating. They seemed to be talking to each other, because their lips were moving - but no words were spoken. He wondered what in the world was going on where ever they were. They obviously had a telepathic link with each other and he wondered how much they could communicate to each other. Was it just feelings? Or could they really speak to each other? How far away from each other could they be and it still work? He kept running scans of them and found himself mesmerized by the readings. Their brain activity was synchronized with each other, even their breathing and heart rates. He'd never seen anything like it before. As the hours went on, Kaitlyn's readings became stronger.
Phlox watched as the scanner indicated they were coming conscious. He smiled as Lieutenant Reed looked around and gained his bearings quickly. "How are you feeling, Lieutenant?"
Malcolm looked at the doctor and gave him a small smile, "Didn't mean to drop out on you like that. I'm really tired, but I'm feeling okay." he admitted.
Kaitlyn blinked slowly as she became aware of her living room. She glanced at her hand that Malcolm was holding and smiled softly. "Thank you."
Malcolm squeezed her hand, then indicated she needed to pay attention to Phlox.
Kaitlyn nodded to Phlox, "Hello, Phlox."
Doctor Phlox smiled as he ran the scanner over her again, "Are you feeling better now?" he questioned.
Kaitlyn shrugged slightly, "I can think clearly now."
Phlox nodded as he closed his scanner, "I think the two of you are stable enough for me to leave." He picked up his bag as they stood up slowly. He smiled, "One of these days, I'd really like to hear more about this connection the two of you have."
Malcolm gave the doctor a nod, "One day, Doctor." he promised.
Doctor Phlox opened his communicator and requested to be transported back to the Enterprise.
"I will notify Admiral Stevens that you are doing much better." Phlox told Kaitlyn.
"Thank you for everything, Phlox." Kaitlyn smiled as the doctor waved right before he was transported away.
Malcolm cupped Kaitlyn's face gently, "Do you feel like eating?"
"Not really - I think I just need to sleep." she pointed out. She looked at him slowly, she needed him to stay with her - but she was afraid he'd say he had to go back to the ship tonight.
Malcolm kissed her lips, "I'm not going to leave you alone."
She wrapped her arms around him as she buried her head into his chest.
Malcolm tugged her gently, "Come on - let's get some sleep."
They laid down and settled into bed next to each other.
Malcolm was still wide awake thirty minutes later. He knew she wasn't asleep - she was trying so hard to keep her thoughts from him. He ran his hands through her hair, "You've got to go to sleep." he said softly.
She lifted her head from his chest and looked at him.
He frowned - why did she look so sad? "What's wrong?"
Kaitlyn swallowed hard as she sat up, "All of this has brought up something I've been keeping from you. I thought I could just never say anything, but evidently not."
Malcolm sat up beside her and rubbed her back gently, he picked up a stray thought from her. His brows furrowed, "Your father?"
Kaitlyn reached for his hand and held it, "He died in the line of duty a little while before the Xindi attacked."
"I'm so sorry, Kaitlyn - why didn't you say anything before?" he questioned.
"His death, and that of his Expedition Team was classified." She didn't want Malcolm blame himself for something that wasn't his fault. "I've read all the files, all of the reports, seen all of the scans - I know my father never would have wanted to hurt people." she explained carefully.
"What are you talking about?" Malcolm was confused. Her father had hurt people before he died?
"He was part of the Arctic Six Expedition Team."
Malcolm's mouth went dry. Those cybernetic creatures - one of them had been her father? He looked away from her and frowned. He purposefully hadn't looked up the names of the Scientists that had been changed into those creatures because he was afraid that he would recognize someone and have to deal with the fact that he had blown them up.
Kaitlyn could hear his thoughts and squeezed his hand, "You did what had to be done."
"We should have been able to save them." he said quietly and shook his head.
"It was too late by the time you reached them - they were too far gone. I know that, and I think you do too." Kaitlyn looked out the window at the stars and sighed, "I'm sorry I brought this up - today has already been crappy."
Malcolm looked at her slowly, realizing what she had said at the beginning of this conversation, "What are you feeling guilty about?"
"I put Richard Donald to sleep, Malcolm. I've only done that once before when I had to get information for Harris. I promised myself I wouldn't do it again - but I did." Kaitlyn frowned.
"But, you have pulled information from people before without putting them to sleep?" he inquired.
She nodded. Too many times.
"And that's another reason why you don't touch people." he realized. Malcolm rubbed her hand gently with his thumb, "I think Harris wanted you to put Richard to sleep." he concluded.
Kaitlyn raised an eyebrow, "Why do you think that?"
"Harris knows you - he knew you wouldn't kill Richard. But, if he told you to end him, he knew you'd put him to sleep." Malcolm frowned when a thought crossed his mind.
Kaitlyn's eyes widened, "You think Richard worked for Harris - that he was an operative? I didn't see anything in his mind that indicated he worked for Harris." She sighed in frustration, "Stoon could have replaced his memories, like he did to us. But why would Harris want me to put Richard asleep?"
"He can't talk to anyone if he's asleep. Harris' little secret is safe - he had an operative in Terra Prime. Not only did Richard infiltrate Terra Prime, he worked with all of the key players. And now, no one will find out that a Section operative almost blew up the President, the Memorial, and everyone else that was there." he pointed out.
Kaitlyn frowned, "Why does everything have to be so complicated?"
Malcolm laid back on the bed and pulled her down with him, "Because that's the nature of the Section. Nothing is as it seems - deception and misdirection are the key to getting the upper hand."
Kaitlyn wrapped her arm around Malcolm's waist and closed her eyes tiredly. She wondered what other operations Harris had going on at the moment.
"Please don't think about it - just let it go." Malcolm suggested and kissed her forehead. He didn't want either of them to be pulled back into the Section. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on happier things - like the fact he was here and not by himself on the ship.
"Malcolm." Kaitlyn called to him softly.
Malcolm's eyes popped open, "Yes?"
Kaitlyn smiled, "Thank you for helping me sort through all of that information."
He kissed her forehead again, "You're welcome. We really need to get to sleep."
"I know - I just wanted to say thank you." she smiled and laid her head back down on his chest and found herself quickly falling asleep.
XXXXX
Harris stood in front of the monitors and crossed his arms. He was growing angrier by them moment. He glared at Stoon as he came in the room quietly. Harris pointed to the screen, "Did you know about this?" he demanded.
Stoon clasped his hands loosely behind his back and analyzed the screen quickly. The monitor indicated that Captain Donovan and Lieutenant Reed were both in her apartment. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at Harris, "Perhaps they are working on the Protocols?" he suggested.
"At three in the morning! Are they involved with each other? Do they remember the last mission?" Harris stepped closer to the Vulcan.
Stoon kept his gaze firmly on Harris, "I saw nothing in her mind to indicate that she remembered anything from that mission and I saw nothing that indicated the two of them are in any sort of a relationship." he reiterated calmly.
Harris frowned. He was getting that same churning feeling that he'd gotten a few years ago when the two of them nearly collapsed three of his operations. "I can't have them screwing up any of our current operations - keep them away from all operations. Lewis, I want their movements monitored. If it even looks like they are getting close to anything we have going on - notify me immediately." he ordered the young field supervisor.
"Yes, Sir." Lewis nodded and started to log in the orders on Reed and Donovan.
Harris looked at Stoon closely, "I want you to find out just how involved they are. Start going through everything they've been doing since the Enterprise returned."
Stoon nodded and watched as Harris left.
XXXXX
TBC.
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